The Sting Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two attractive men with questionable ethics play pretend to trick a grumpy man with too much money, and everyone celebrates with jazzy piano tunes.

🍿 The Sting: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Small-Time Grift Gone Wrong

In Joliet, Illinois, 1936, Johnny Hooker, a young con man, and his partner Luther Coleman swindle a courier out of $11,000. Unbeknownst to them, the money belongs to Doyle Lonnegan, a ruthless Chicago mob boss. Lonnegan, furious, orders a hit on Luther, leaving Hooker devastated and seeking revenge.

Seeking Guidance: Enter Henry Gondorff

Following Luther’s death, Hooker seeks out Henry Gondorff, an old friend of Luther’s and a master con artist living in Chicago. Gondorff, initially reluctant, agrees to help Hooker exact revenge on Lonnegan by orchestrating an elaborate “long con.”

The Long Con: Orchestrating the Sting

Gondorff and Hooker assemble a team of skilled con artists to create a fake off-track betting parlor. Their plan involves convincing Lonnegan that they have inside information on horse races, luring him into placing a massive bet that they will then manipulate to their advantage. The plan involves deception and careful stagecraft.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman): A master con artist who comes out of retirement to help Hooker avenge his friend’s death by swindling Doyle Lonnegan.
• Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford): A young, ambitious grifter who seeks revenge on Doyle Lonnegan after his partner is murdered.
• Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw): A ruthless and arrogant crime boss who becomes the target of Gondorff and Hooker’s elaborate con.
• Lt. Wm. Snyder (Charles Durning): A corrupt police lieutenant from Joliet who is after Hooker for his own personal gain.
• Luther Coleman (Robert Earl Jones): Hooker’s mentor and partner, whose murder sets the events of the film into motion.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Henry Gondorff: “You can’t play cards worth a dime if you can’t see what’s comin’.” – Gondorff advises Hooker on the importance of foresight and awareness in their line of work.
• Doyle Lonnegan: “What was I supposed to do, call him for cheating better than me, in front of the others?” – Lonnegan explains why he couldn’t expose Gondorff’s cheating during the poker game on the train.
• J.J. Singleton: “He lost more than that in the stock market.” – Singleton casually dismisses Lonnegan’s poker losses, highlighting Lonnegan’s wealth.
• Henry Gondorff: “After what happened to Luther, I don’t think I can get more than two, three hundred guys.” – When asked if he can get a mob together for the con, Gondorff dryly remarks about the risks of their profession.
• Johnny Hooker: “I don’t know enough about killing to kill him.” – Hooker explains why he prefers to con Lonnegan rather than resort to violence.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5.5M
• Domestic Gross: $156M
• Worldwide Gross: $156M

💥 The Sting Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love ‘The Sting’! I remember watching it as a kid and being completely blown away by the twists and turns. The chemistry between Newman and Redford is magical, and Robert Shaw makes such a wonderfully menacing villain. The ending still gives me chills every time; it’s just so perfectly executed. I especially love the poker scene on the train because it’s so iconic and tense. The ragtime music is timeless. I highly recommend watching it for a fun and exciting movie night. I know I will watch it again soon.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic heist movies.”
  • “Viewers interested in films with clever plot twists.”
  • “Those who enjoy the on-screen chemistry of Paul Newman and Robert Redford.”
  • “Individuals who appreciate films set in the 1930s with a focus on crime and corruption.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Some thematic elements related to crime and revenge.”
  • “Brief suggestive content.”
  • “Deception and fraud are central themes.”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “A perfectly crafted caper film, ‘The Sting’ balances intricate plotting with charismatic performances from Newman and Redford. George Roy Hill’s direction evokes the charm of classic Hollywood, making it a truly captivating and endlessly rewatchable film.
• FandomWire: “George Lucas had an incredible record going 11 for 11 with major awards but, for some reason lost to The Sting. Despite this, he’s not alone. ‘The Sting’ delivers pure entertainment, with a smart plot and unforgettable leads.
• IMDB reviewer: “This movie’s clever plot makes multiple viewings mandatory for full enjoyment. It is sparked by perfect period detail, a Scott Joplin piano score courtesy of Marvin Hamlisch and grand performances. It is gritty and at all times entertaining.

Audience Reactions

The plot twists are unexpected, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.: The movie’s cleverness, the fantastic performances, and the retro charm are widely praised.

The reunion of Newman and Redford made me smile from start to finish.: The excellent chemistry between the lead actors is something everyone seems to love and connect with.

Overall Consensus: A classic con-artist film with clever plotting, charismatic performances, and a timeless soundtrack, making it a beloved and highly rewatchable movie.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1974
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1974
3. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1974
4. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1974
5. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1974
6. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1974
7. Academy Award (Best Adapted Song Score)- 1974

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “George Roy Hill used 1930s stylistic techniques, starting the film with a 1930s-era Universal logo and using editing wipes and iris shots for transitions.”
• “Robert Shaw was injured during filming and incorporated his resulting limp into his performance as Doyle Lonnegan.”
• “Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty turned down the role of Johnny Hooker before Robert Redford accepted it.”
• “Though the movie helped bring Scott Joplin’s ragtime back into American popular culture, the music actually pre-dates the story’s setting by 25 years.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Sting?

The Sting is widely available to rent or purchase on major digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast schedules. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Sting, you might like these similar films:

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Also starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, directed by George Roy Hill, with a similar blend of charm, adventure, and unexpected twists.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Features a group of skilled individuals coming together to pull off an elaborate heist, with a focus on clever planning and execution.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002): Based on the true story of a con artist who successfully impersonated various professionals, highlighting the audacity and intelligence required for successful scams.
• House of Games (1987): Features a psychological exploration of con games, with a protagonist drawn into a world of deception and manipulation.
• Rififi (1955): A classic heist film known for its meticulous planning and suspenseful execution of a robbery, influencing many subsequent films in the genre.

🛒 The Sting Related Products

• The Sting [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release for the ultimate viewing experience. Perfect for cinephiles and collectors.
• The Sting Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster, ideal for decorating a home theater or fan room. Printed on premium paper for lasting display.
• Scott Joplin: The Complete Works: A comprehensive collection of Scott Joplin’s ragtime compositions, including all the tracks featured in ‘The Sting’. Available as a CD or digital download.
• Poker Set: A professional poker set, including cards, chips, and a carrying case, perfect for recreating the high-stakes poker game from the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Sting features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Entertainer” – performed by Scott Joplin
• “Solace” – performed by Scott Joplin
• “Gladiolus Rag” – performed by Scott Joplin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

1982: JACK NICHOLSON on declining THE GODFATHER lead role

Have you ever wondered why Jack Nicholson turned down the lead role in ‘The Godfather’? He spills the beans in this fascinating interview from 1982!

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